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Port Washington fire department fills referendum‑funded roles, revises command structure and onboarding
Summary
The fire department reported hires and promotions that filled referendum‑funded positions, a resignation, revised orientation checklists for new hires, and plans to post a vacant deputy chief job with an expected start around March.
Port Washington fire and emergency medical services reported new hires, a resignation and organizational changes at the Police and Fire Commission meeting on Jan. 13.
Fire Chief DeBoer said probationary firefighter Zachary Cox resigned after not completing Firefighter I certification. Chief DeBoer reported the department has filled all referendum‑funded full‑time positions but had one member resign to pursue education. New hires and promotions include Bethany Price and Benedict Beck (lieutenant‑paramedic positions), promotions for Cameron Karstead, and firefighter‑paramedic hires Peter Newman and Brad Wachter. Two internal candidates — firefighter‑paramedic McKenna Ferry and firefighter‑paramedic Jacob Hodorff — accepted full‑time positions; the swearing‑in will occur at the Jan. 21 common council meeting at 6:30 p.m., with a reception to follow at the fire station.
Chief DeBoer said the department revised its orientation and onboarding materials to create a general department orientation packet with subchapters (firefighting, EMS, special teams, dive, driver/operator). Each section includes checklists, mentor supervision and a written protocol exam. On the approach to verifying outside experience, a chief summarized the intent as “trust but verify,” saying even experienced hires must demonstrate working knowledge of department protocols and equipment before release to solo duty.
The department reorganized officer responsibilities to give clearer ownership of training and community risk reduction; a vacant deputy chief position will be posted toward the end of January with the department hoping to have a hire by about March. Two lieutenant positions remain vacant but will be held open until additional firefighters are added to allow internal promotion without creating gaps. The department plans gradual phase‑out of one EMS‑only lieutenant position currently held by Sam Lorge when operational needs and staffing permit.
Chief DeBoer said many of the revised orientation and special‑teams materials are being built or vetted and that driver‑operator and special‑teams sections are in active development. No formal personnel actions were taken at the commission meeting; chiefs reported staffing status and posted‑job plans for council and HR processes.
